The Norseman Sunburst awning on the cute li'l Bigfoot seems to have multiple problems. The fabric-- at least the little bit of it we can see on the rolled-up-tight-roll-- looks to be in good shape, but all of the fittings seems to be frozen. We have the instructions, but can't get ANY of the fittings to move.

We're thinking we need to take it to a pro but wonder if we should take it to the local shop or cruise over the border into British Columbia, a little closer to where the awning was made.

Has anyone had any experience with Norseman awnings? How about with BC RV repair shops?

I have no idea what brand of awning I use to have, but it had a lever we had to push up to release the roller. it was upper right hand. then we pulling the tab in the middle and out she came. we had to put the levr back down to roll it back up. anyway you might check for one of those.

* * * * * * I have no idea what brand of awning I use to have, but it had a lever we had to push up to release the roller. *it was upper right hand. *then we pulling the tab in the middle and out she came. * we had to put the levr back down to roll it back up. *anyway you might check for one of those. *

It has a sort of lever thing that you're supposed to move by pushing up on it with a thin metal rod. Unfortunately, it doesn't move at all-- even when you get on a ladder and try to pursuade it personally.

The legs and "rafters" had wraps of electricians tape holding them together, suggesting that they had been not been used in a while.

that does not sound good. but why tape it if it is locked up? ANd you have found the little locks on the arms? probably under the tape. I never had a problem putting it down, just up. always getting acorns and such stuck in the rails. maybe some one muscled it up there acorn and all. Have you tried the company? maybe they have a dealer close or can talk you through fixing it.

* * * * * * that does not sound good. *but why tape it if it is locked up?.

I think the arms would have flopped around without the tape.

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ANd you have found the little locks on the arms? *probably under the tape. *I never had *a problem putting it down, just up. *always getting acorns and such stuck in the rails. *maybe some one muscled it up there acorn and all. *

Maybe. THere's a knurled nob that's supposed to hold each of the rafters in place against the lift arms; one is broken off.

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Have you tried the company? *maybe they have a dealer close or can talk you through fixing it.

From what I found on the net, it sounds like Norseman is out of business, or absorbed into something else. I saw a few comments about it being impossible to get parts.

We are thinking about just taking it down to the local RV shop and seeing if they can fix it without spending too much. If they can't then we'll trash the heavy mechanism & arms, and use the fabric and rail to make a simple awning rig as per that shown by Terrie and Steph. Reducing weight is a good thing!
:wave